VA Disability Rating for Bipolar Disorder
Rated 0–100% under the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Same scale as PTSD.
Bipolar disorder (DC 9432) uses the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders under 38 CFR § 4.130. The rating reflects occupational and social impairment — not how many manic or depressive episodes you have. Service-connection often runs through documented in-service mental health treatment, MST, or as secondary to TBI / PTSD.
Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 0% | — | Diagnosed but symptoms controlled by medication; no occupational or social impairment. |
| 30% | $552.47 | Occasional decrease in work efficiency. Symptoms include depressed mood, anxiety, mild memory loss, panic attacks less than weekly. |
| 50% | $1,132.90 | Reduced reliability and productivity. Flattened affect, panic attacks more than weekly, impaired judgment, difficulty maintaining work and social relationships. |
| 70% | $1,808.45 | Deficiencies in most areas (work, school, family, judgment, mood). Suicidal ideation, near-continuous panic or depression, neglect of hygiene, inability to maintain effective relationships. |
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Total occupational and social impairment. Gross thought disorder, persistent danger of self-harm, disorientation, memory loss for own identity. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 30%: $552.47/mo · $6,630/year, tax-free
- →At 50%: $1,132.90/mo · $13,595/year, tax-free
- →At 70%: $1,808.45/mo · $21,701/year, tax-free
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for bipolar disorder
- C&P exam with a psychologist or psychiatrist — describe your worst episodes, not your average days.
- Mood log + records of any hospitalizations, ER visits, or work absences during episodes.
- Medication history — multiple failed regimens supports higher impairment.
- Lay statements from family / coworkers about manic/depressive cycles.
Common secondary conditions
- +Sleep disturbance
- +Substance use disorder
- +Erectile dysfunction (medication side effect)
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Often arises secondary to PTSD or TBI — file as secondary if applicable.
- In-service mental-health treatment notes are gold; request your STRs in full.
- MST-related: M21-1 lower evidentiary standard applies — file even without formal report.
Frequently asked
Can bipolar be both primary service-connected and secondary to PTSD?
It can be either, but only one direction at a time per the pyramiding rule. Secondary to PTSD is often the cleaner path if PTSD is already service-connected.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.